1

The Life of Moses Lesson Plan

God’s Protection and Providence (Pg. 3-6)Exodus 2: 1-10

Moses: His Passion and Personality (Pg. 7-9)Exodus 2:11-15

Moses: His Preparation and Isolation (Pg. 10-13)Exodus 2:16-25

Moses: His Encounter with God (Pg. 14-18)Exodus 3-4:17

Moses: His Difficulty at Home (Pg. 19-21)Exodus 4:18-31

Moses: His Submission and Success (Pg. 22-24)Exodus 5-11

Moses: His Leadership and Growth (Pg. 25-27)Exodus 14

Moses: His Dealings with Difficult People (Pg. 28-32)Exodus 15:22-27; 16; 17:1-7; 32:7-35

Moses: His Time on the Mountain (Pg. 33-37)Exodus 20

Moses: His Obedience and the Tabernacle (Pg. 38-41)Exodus 40

Moses: His Meekness and Faithfulness (Pg. 42-45)Numbers 12

Moses: His Death and Spiritual Legacy (Pg. 46-49)Deuteronomy 29-34

2

Introduction Over the next several months we willl be studying the life of Moses. During this time, we will not touch every event that

took place in the life of Moses but rather focus on his character and how the Lord worked through his life in such a powerful

way. Moses holds a particularly special place in the Scriptures. God allowed him to be the leader of the fledgling nation of

Israel. A close examination of the character of his life should be a help and a blessing to us, as we endeavor to be used of God

for His glory and honor.

We should throughout this journey seek to receive instruction from the Word of God concerning the life of Moses. What is it that shaped the life of Moses? What successes did Moses have and how was he successful? What failures do we see and how

can we avoid them?

In the end, we should come away understanding God desires to use each one of us just a powerfully and wonderfully as He used Moses. We are here to fulfill His plan in this time and in

this place.

James GrandinettiCommunity Outreach Pastor

Sharon Baptist Church

3

God’s Protection and ProvidenceExodus 2: 1-10

When we come to study the life of Moses we must start at the very beginning. Moses’ story is a story of God’s protection and providence. Known only to God is the totality of our days. He knows our story from beginning to end. As we see the humble beginnings of Moses, we must recognize the unseen hand of God’s protection as well as His providence.

I. Consider the __________________ of the Nation of Israel - Exodus 1:8-17 A. The children of Israel grew mightily. 1. Exodus 1:7 “And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.” 2. Genesis 13:16 “And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.”

B. The king of Egypt knew not Joseph. 1. Exodus 1:8 “Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.” 2. Similarly, in our day, our nation is becoming more and more unfamiliar with Jesus Christ. This country no longer knows and reverences God as it once did.

C. The solution was slavery. 1. Exodus 1:11 “…they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens.” 2. Exodus 1:12 “But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.”

D. The order was for murder. 1. Exodus 1:16 “…if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.” -This unsuccessful command was given to the midwives.

4

2. Exodus 1:22 And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive. -This broadened command given to the people. 3. What a striking parallel we see to how Herod tried to exterminate Jesus at the beginning of His life. (Matthew 2:16-18)

It was in these conditions, that Moses was born. The nation was afflicted with hard bondage. God seemed to be silent and all male children were subject to execution. Can you imagine having a family in this environment?

Regardless of the situations of life, God is not limited in what He can do in the life of an individual. “So often Christians use their backgrounds as an excuse for failure. Yet, God is greater than a disappointing home life or a discouraging past!”1 Though it may not seem this way, Moses was born at just the right time.

II. Consider the____________________of Moses’ Family -Exodus 2: 1-10

A. Moses’ parents hid him three months. v2 1. Both of Moses’ parents were of the tribe of Levi. 2. This was their 3rd child. The decree must have occurred after Aaron’s birth. 3. We are told that His parents exhibited great faith. 4. Hebrews 11:23 “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.”

B. Moses’ mother placed him in the flags by the river’s edge. v3 1. Jochebed takes the child and lays him in an “ark of bulrushes” [papyrus]. (similar to bamboo) 2. She seals the ark with slime and pitch.

1 Pg. 6 Rasmussen, Mark. Moses: Discover God’s Faithfulness On Life’s Journey. Lancaster: Striving Together Publications, 2014.

5

3. This reminds us of the ark that Noah made under the direction of the Lord. The entering of the ark was by faith and God shut them in. Genesis 7:16 4. She places him among the weeds at the edge of the river.

C. Moses’ sister stands afar off. v4 1. Miriam was placed so as to watch and see what would happen. 2. “And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.” – Miriam would wait to see how the manner fell out. 3. The whole situation was illegal according to the decree of Pharaoh and yet Miriam stood ready to intercede.

D. Pharaoh’s daughter had compassion on Moses. v5,6 1. Pharaoh’s daughter had come down to wash herself and though this would not take place in contemporary times, in ancient Egypt the Nile was looked upon as sacred. 2. Five actions immediately arrest our attention that Pharaoh’s daughter took (1) She saw the ark, (2) She sent her maid to fetch it, (3) She opened the ark, (4) She saw the child, (5) She had compassion. 3. At the very moment she opens the ark the baby cries.

E. Miriam risks her life speaking to Pharaoh’s Daughter. v7 1. Breaking the silence of the moment and endangering herself and her brother Miriam speaks up. 2. Here the daughter of Jochebed, whom most reckon around 10 to 12 years of age, exhibits faith in God’s providence.

F. Pharaoh’s daughter raised Moses as her son. v8-10 1. Not only is the request granted, but Jochebed was able to ‘legally’ raise the child during his early years, being exempted of the horrendous decree put forth by Pharaoh. 2. According to verse 10, God provided opportunity for Amram and Jochebed to teach Moses about the Lord for his early years before he was turned over to Pharaohs’ daughter.

6

God’s providence and protection is easily seen in the early years of Moses’ life. Moses’ family exercised great faith in hiding Moses and ultimately commending him to the Lord. We too, if we are going to be used of God must exercise faith in God’s providence and protection. That journey of faith begins with our faith in Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour. Jesus, the Son of God, made very plain that everlasting life begins with faith in Him as the Savior of the world. “Verily verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” (John 6:47) Following that saving faith, we are called to a life of trusting in Him! “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5,6 The great news is the path He directs us on will be the best path to follow.

Illustration: “A Christian man had a habit of reading Gideon Bibles in hotels he stayed in, and on one trip to the majestic Windsor Hotel in Montreal Canada, he felt moved of God to write his spiritual thoughts in the margins. His greatest concern was the Salvation of his son who rejected the Christian faith. At the end of his devotions, the man knelt by the bed in prayer. Three years later, that very same son visited Montreal. He stayed in the huge Windsor Hotel. Feeling depressed he did something uncharacteristic-he picked up the Gideon Bible from the night table. Leafing through it, he no-ticed some handwritten notes and recognized them as the writing of his own father. The outpouring of his father’s heart for the son’s salvation so moved the young man he knelt beside the bed and accepted Christ as Saviour.”

Memory VersesHebrews 11: 24-25 “By Faith Moses, when he was come to years,

refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of

sin for a season;”

7

Moses: His Passion and PersonalityExodus 2:11-15

In the very first few verses of Exodus chapter 2 we learned of Moses’ timely birth. We also have made note of God’s providence and protection in the midst of difficult times. As chapter 2 unfolds we are told of Moses’ passion and personality.

What kind of man would Moses turn out to be? In his early years he was taught all the wisdom of the Egyptians. In Acts chapter 7 we are given insight to what took place during those formative years:

“In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father’s house three months: And when he was cast out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son. And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.”

There was certainly a period of time that Moses was taught at home as we have seen in Exodus 2:9,10:

“And Pharaoh’s daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it. And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.”

The time for Moses to make a choice had come. Would Moses choose to identify with the people of the world or would he identify with the people of God? This opportunity is ever present before us as well. We must make a choice, to whom shall we live? Which direction will we choose? The path to the right or the road to the left?

Matthew 7:13,14 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

Consider, the situation.

8

I. Moses’ ______________ A. Moses was a grown man. 1. Exodus 2:11 “And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens:” 2. Acts 7:23 “And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.”

B. Moses was mighty in words and deeds. 1. Acts 7:22 “And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.” 2. Moses was taught carefully as one who was part of the royal family. He would have been properly equipped to serve in the highest offices of the country

II. Moses’ ______________ A. Moses was loyal to his brethren. 1. He refused to be called the son of Pharoah’s daughter. 2. Hebrews 11:24 “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;” 3. His actions showed his earnestness in going out to look upon the burdens endured by his people.

B. Moses was loyal to God. 1. He refused to enjoy the pleasures of sin. 2. Hebrews 11:25 “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;” 3. He refused the treasures of Egypt. 4. Hebrews 11:26 “Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.” 5. He refused to be moved by the world. 6. Hebrews 11:27 “By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.” 7. He did not fear the wrath of the king though he did prudently leave Egypt. (Exodus 2:15)

III. Moses’ __________________

9

A. Moses was passionate. 1. Exodus 2: 11,12 “And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren. And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.” 2. Acts 7:24 “And see one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:”

B. Moses was of good character. 1. Exodus 2:13, 14 “And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.” 2. Acts 7: 26-29 “And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another? But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday? Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.”

In the next few verses we learn that Moses flees to Midian, preserving his life and “sat down by a well.” There is no telling what was going through his mind. This 40-year mark would be the beginning of Moses’ desert training. Off alone in the wilderness Moses eventually would encounter God seeing a strange sight of which Moses ‘turns aside.’

Moses’ passions and personality are seen in this passage. As he came to years he had to make a choice. Making that choice Moses refused so much that the world had to offer.

Quote: “Devout Christians are destined to be regarded as fools in mod-ern society.” – Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia

Memory VersePhilippians 2:4 “Look not every man on his own things, but every man

also on the things of others.”

10

Moses: His Preparation and Isolation Exodus 2:16-25

Moses has now left Egypt. At this point he does not know what to do. The passages in the book of Acts (Acts 7:17-25) concerning this time period allude to the fact that Moses did not understand the reaction the he was met with. Oftentimes, we too are met with a different response than we expect helping out the brethren.

Moses in these next few verses will be spending time alone in isolation. He is away from his people and is being prepared for future service. What are we to gather from these circumstances?

1. Our future is shrouded in mystery. (James 4:13,14)2. Our preparation is sometimes not understood in the moment. (Philippians 1:12, Life of Joseph)3. Our preparation may involve a dramatic change and isolation. (Galatians 1:15-17)

Consider, the situation.

I. The _______________ of Preparation v15,16

11

A. Midian 1. v15 “…But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.” 2. Midian was a desert area; a wilderness. Not much is said concerning this place, other than it being desolate. 3. Midian pictures a place of separation and also refuge.

12

4. v22 Moses calls his son, Gershom, meaning “desolate stranger.”

B. The Well 1. v15 “…But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.” 2. Here Moses is alone, and he flops down by a well. This speaks to Moses not knowing what to do. 3. What was the situation? He ran from Pharaoh, He is a stranger in a strange land, He knew no one…. No doubt the well was a place of contemplation and a place of exhaustion. 4. John Gill’s comment concerning Moses’ present circumstances, “It may be observed, that it was usual with persons in such like circumstances, being strangers and not knowing well to whom to apply for assistance or direction, to place themselves at a well of water, to which there was frequent resort, both for the use of families and of flocks;”

II. The __________________ in Preparation v16,17 A. He saw – He did not become closed off and shut down. He was aware of what was going on around him.

B. He stood – There are great many folks that see travesties take place but will not stand up.

C. He helped – The Bible says, Moses “…helped them.”

D. He watered – He went beyond just helping, but watered their flock for them.

III. The ______________ in Preparation v18-20 A. The things we cannot see – v18 “And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day?”

13

B. The timing we do not know – v20 “And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.”

IV. The __________________ in Preparation v21-25 A. Contentment – v21 “And Moses was content to dwell with the man:…”

B. Continuing – Moses continued in patience. In verse 23, the king of Egypt died, but yet Moses did not head back to Egypt till God instructed him to do so. He continued in his daily life. In verse 21 Moses married and had a son.

C. Course – v23 “And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.”

From these few verses we can see how God prepares His servant for service. Our lives consist of times of preparation. We can learn from this lesson that whether the time is long or short, God knows how to prepare us for the tasks that we will meet in the future. The question becomes, are we making the most of our present circumstances of life? Are we content to allow God to prepare us? Are we trusting in Him regardless of the situations around us?

The time will come in the next lesson, where Moses will be apprised of God’s plan for the nation of Israel and his part in that plan. The calling of God upon Moses’ life will seem impossible!

Quote “In all things seek to know God’s Will and when known obey at any cost.” – Jonathan Goforth

Memory Verses

Galatians 6:9,10 “9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

14

Moses: His Encounter with GodExodus 3-4:17

When Moses arrives in Midian he stands up and once again helps some in time of need. Exodus 2:16,17 tell us of how Moses helps the priest of Midian’s seven daughters. Interestingly enough the Bible goes on to tell us that Moses was perceived as an Egyptian (Exodus 2:19). Perhaps Moses still looked like an Egyptian. Moses may have spoken like an Egyptian. Whatever the case he appeared to be an Egyptian. Maybe this was based on Moses’ testimony of being born in Egypt but of Hebrew parents. Regardless we could draw this lesson, when we meet Jesus we should start to look more like a child of God than a child of this world. (Ephesians 5:8, I Thessalonians 5:5) It is in thisfollowing passage (Exodus 3,4) that Moses will encounter God in a very personal way. No doubt his parents had taught him much about God. But one must experience an encounter with God personally.

Moses in Exodus 2:21 marries Zipporah, Reuel’s (Jethro’s) daughter. And the Bible says he was “…content to dwell with the man…” Moses in his own way comments upon his present circumstances.

“And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter. And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.” Exodus 2:21,22

Let’s look at this encounter with God:

Exodus 3

I. The ___________________________

v1 “Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Mid-ian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.”

15

A. A desert v1 1. Literally, forsaken; hence, uninhabited; as a desert isle. Hence, wild; untilled; waste; uncultivated; as a desert land or country. Void; empty; unoccupied. – Webster’s 1828 “Desert” 2. Moses is leading the flock in “…the backside of the desert…”

Illustration: “In the mid-1600s, John Bunyan was a pastor in Bedford, England. During his time as a pastor, he was considered a dissenter because he was not ordained by the Church of England. In 1658, Bunyan was arrested for preaching without a license and was imprisoned for eight years. He then was released in 1666 and began preaching again. After just a few short weeks, he was incarcerated again. It was there in his lonely jail cell that Bunyan wrote the book The Pilgrims Progress.”

v1 “…and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.”

B. A mountain v1 1. A large mass of earth and rock, rising above the common level of the earth or adjacent land, but of no definite altitude. – Webster’s 1828 “Mountain” 2. The “mountain of God” is described as being approached from the backside of the desert. Moses encounter with God would be in this lofty place. This mountain also referred to later as Sinai would be the spot where Moses received the law. 3. Why was a mountain chosen, perhaps because God condescends to meet with man? God who is Holy, High and Lifted up must “bend his ear” to hear and speak with man. We can see it is God that sought out Moses. v2 “And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him…”

II. The _________________________________

A. God’s __________________ unto Moses v2 1. God called Moses. v4 “…Moses, Moses.” 2. There are two amazing facts surrounding this event. 1. God meets us where we are. 2. God desires to commune with us and use us for His glory.

16

3. This call was personal. God was not just looking for anyone, He was looking for Moses. Ephesians 2:8,9 4. God commanded Moses. v5 “Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.” 5. God lovingly shows us the way we ought to go. Remember it was man that has departed from God (Genesis). 6. God communed with Moses. v6-9 7. God sovereignly chooses to commune with man.

B. Moses’ _________________ unto God v3 1. He turned aside. v3 2. He answered the call. v4 3. v4 “…Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.” 4. He feared God. v6 “And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.” 5. Acts 7:31,32 “When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him, Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.” 6. Have we lost our fear of God? 7. The proper way to approach God is in humility. 8. Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6,10

What are the results from answering the call of God?

III. The __________________________ A. God saw the affliction. 1. Remember Moses’ cause for leaving Egypt was a result of seeing the affliction of the people. He had killed an Egyptian. God states here, v7“I have surely seen the affliction of my people…. and have heard their cry…I know their sorrows;” 2. Hebrews 4:15 “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

17

B. God came to deliver. 1. v8 “I am come down to deliver them…” 2. He is come to “bring them up out of that land, unto a land flowing with milk and honey…” 3. God’s deliverance is to a good position.

C. Moses would be the instrument of this delivery. 1. The plan of God includes man. Specifically, if you are a child of God it includes you. 2. 3:10 “Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh…” 3. Moses like you and I are “sent ones.” 4. What is the answer to Moses question, v11 “Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh…?” 5. 3:11 Moses excused himself based on authority. v12 “…Certainly I will be with thee…” 6. 3:13 Moses excused himself based on answers. v14 “Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.” 7. 4:1 Moses excused himself based on acceptance. 3:18 “And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt…” (4:1-9) 8. 4:10 Moses excused himself based on ability. 4:11 “And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth?” 9. 4:12 “Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.” 10. What excuses do we give God for our disobedience?

In the next few verses we find God’s anger is kindled against Moses because of his disobedience. With all the objections removed, why are we not serving God wholly with our lives. The Lord has given us everything we need to live the Christian life. Are we like Moses, having encountered God, having been given direction giving excuses?

Lastly, Moses’ call resulted in action. In verse 18 we find Moses “went and returned to Jethro his father in law and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt…”

18

Quote:“God grant, if we must have two eyes, that they may be both clear ones, one the eye of faith wholly fixed on Christ, the other the eye of obedience equally and wholly fixed on the same objective!” – Charles Spurgeon

Memory Verses

John 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

Memory Verses Up to This Point

Hebrews 11: 24-25 “By Faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of

sin for a season;”

Philippians 2:4 “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

Galatians 6:9,10 “9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10As we have therefore opportu-nity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the

household of faith.”

John 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

19

Moses: His Difficulty at HomeExodus 4-18-31

Moses immediately begins to follow the Lord’s directions. Though there may be some half-heartedness taking place. Remember Moses had many excuses as to why he could not be the mouthpiece for God before Pharaoh. Remember also, that after all the objections were put aside, God in his mercy and anger allowed Aaron to speak on behalf of Moses. It is at this juncture that we get a rare glance at the Moses’ personal family. What we are shown here is some difficulties that arise in the home life.

God having instituted the order of the home certainly has expectations for you and I. There responsibilities that we must take seriously. One of the greatest lessons that can be learned in these few verses is that our actions affect the entire family. Even more importantly, our individual actions affect the family of God as well.

“So often the keenest tests of a man’s fitness for his life-work are furnished by his behavior in his home.” – F.B. Meyer

So, what transpires in this family difficulty?

I. The _____________ to Egypt v18-23 A. Departing from Midian v18,19 1. v18 His request first from Jethro. 2. “…And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go…” 3. Moses’ request here was certainly honorable, but not altogether full of truth. 4. His reasoning to go back to Egypt was to “…see whether they be yet alive.” 5. v19 God’s further encouragement to move forward.

20

B. Determination of Moses v20 1. “And Moses took his wife and his sons…” 2. We learn from this Moses had two sons; Gershom and Eliezer. (I Chronicles 23:15) 3. Moses determined to go and lead his family. 4. We also see that “…Moses took the rod of God in his hand.”

C. Directions from the Lord v21-23 1. “When thou goest to return…” not if. 2. “…do all those wonders…” 3. “…but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.” 4. “Thus saith the Lord…”

We move from these positive statements to a few verses that seem rather out of place. But we can understand what is taken place by knowing what had transpired previously in the life of Moses and with the Abrahamic Covenant.

II. The of the Lord v24-26

v24 “And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him.”

A. The of the Lord v24

B. The because of disobedience v25

C. The of the family v26

III. The of Moses and Aaron v27,28A. Command given to Aaron v27

B. Communication given by Moses v28

21

IV. The of the People v29-31 A. Active Obedience of Moses v29

B. Announcement of Aaron v30

C. Anticipated Outcome v31 1. “And the people believed…” 2. “…and worshipped.”

Why was the response this time different than the response last time? The answer is, because God was involved in the situation. Had the family problems not been resolved from earlier in this passage we would not be reading about the positive response from the people in verse 31.

In the next 6 chapters, we will see an outworking of the lessons learned here from his family difficulties. Moses will need to be submissive to the Lord in all that He instructs him to do and with that he will meet great success.

Quote:“Every man, by his own conduct, is, more or less, educating the rising generation of the nation.” – Charles Spurgeon

Memory Verses

Proverbs 3:14 “Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.”

22

Moses: His Submission and SuccessExodus 5-12

Moses was now eighty years of age. His brother was not the younger, but rather the elder and would have been 83 years of age, hardly youths! Moses through some difficult beginnings had learned some hard lessons about obedience and now with the help of God, he had won the consent of the people. Though that was a difficult and intimidating task, this task would prove to be more intimidating; standing in the face of the most powerful ruler on the planet at the time. How could Moses do this?

He would be able to do it the same way Elisha the Tishbite did. “And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.” If one is standing before God, then he has the power to stand before men.

Moses over the next many chapters displays great submission toGod and consequently has success. Success in our eyes would be the releasing of the children of Israel. Success in God’s eyes however resides in our obedience to Him.

“The hue and cry is always raised when a prisoner is escaping. The tyrant, who has so long held his prey, is not minded to surrender it without a struggle.” – F.B. Meyer

Notice the faithful submission of Moses:

I. The of His Submission 5:1,20-23; 6:1-8

23

A. His First Presentation 5:1 1. We take time to see this first presentation because it would be one of many. 2. Notice their proclamation, “Thus saith the LORD God of Israel...”

B. His First Provocation 5:20,21

“The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh…”

1. A repeat of reviling.

You and I in difficult times should have a: 2. A reminder of God’s calling.

C. His First Supplication 5:22-6:8 1. The prayer he made 2. The promise of God

II. The of His Submission 6:9-12:32 A. The Denying of the People 6:9

B. The Declaring to the Lord 6:10-13; 7:1-9

Pg. 382 Heroes of Israel W. Garden Blaikie: Published by Thomas Nelson 1894.

24

C. The Discharge of Moses 7-12 1. The rod and the serpents. 7:10 “as the LORD had commanded…” 2. The water turned to blood. 7:20 “did so, as the LORD commanded…” 3. The frogs. 8:1-5,9,10,12,13 4. The lice. 8:16,17 “And they did so…” 5. The flies. 8:24-31 6. The grievous murrain. 9:1,6 7. The boils. 9:10 8. The hail and fire. 9:22,23,33 (23) “And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven:…” 9. The locusts. 10:3,4,8-11 10. The darkness. 10:21,22,24-26 (22) “And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven…” 11. The destroyer. 11;12

Exodus 11:1 “And the LORD said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.”

No doubt some amazing lessons transpired in the life of the nation of Israel, but we also see God teaching and training his servant Moses. All of this is preparatory for what would lay ahead. God is not done with his people, nor is he done with Moses. Many more lessons will be learned by Moses.

Quote: “The man who has met God is not looking for something—he has found it; he is not searching for light—upon him the Light has already shined.” – AW Tozer.

Memory Verses

Philippians 3:13,14 “13 Brethren, I count not myself to have appre-hended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward

the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

25

Moses: His Leadership and GrowthExodus 14

An important aspect to see in the life of Moses is his leadership and also his growth. It was through the trying furnace of submission in the face of opposition that Moses learned much. Now Moses would have to continue to grow and lead a people that would often rebel against him. We are challenged to remember that part of our responsibility as a Christian is to “teach others also.”

We find that the Bible does show us that God is honing the nation of Israel, but God is also honing Moses. This would be the first of many difficulties that Moses would face. We should recognize that God is performing a work in us. Oftentimes it is that trying situations can yield great growth in the life of a Christian.

“The Christian life is never static. One must either grow in grace, or there will be backsliding and deterioration.” – Henry A. Ironside

Starting in verse one of Chapter 14 we see:

I. The that were given v1-10

A. The Lord spake unto Moses v1

B. The Lord gave directions v2

C. The Lord explained what would happen v3,4

D. The Lord performed what He promised v5-10

26

II. The that was received

It is a leader’s desire to have people follow without disputation. People oftentimes are willing to follow as long as there is no difficulty. This poses a paradox for the Christian life, because difficulties are a part of this life we live. Difficulties are a trying agent to perfect us and are at times a result of sin.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” I Corinthians 15:58

Can you imagine Moses gives the direction to turn and is just waiting for the rebuttal from the people? We find in the text that the people followed the directions.

Exodus 14:4 “And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so.”

A. The Exchange with Moses v11,12 1. v11,12 The blame is given to Moses. 2. v11,12 The blindness of no growth.

B. The Effect on Moses v12

What do you think this did to the heart of Moses, encouraged him? or discouraged him?

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29

Could Moses experience growth in spite of the conversation he had with the people?

27

John G. Butler had this to say concerning the people “The reaction of Israel to their dire circumstances was first a flicker of faith (their plea to God) but then a great flame of flesh (their plea to Moses).”

III. The that Moses had v13-20 A. Moses’ outward strength v13,14 1. “...Fear ye not...” 2. “...stand still...” 3. “....see the salvation of the LORD...”

B. Moses’ inward fear

“While Moses presented an appearance of unbroken fortitude towards the people, rearing himself among them like a rock, before God he bent like a broken reed, crying to Him.” – F.B. Meyer

1. “And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me?”

IV. The of Faith A. Moses’ stretched out hand v21, 27

B. Israel’s stretched out faith v22 1. Because of Moses demonstration of faith. 2. Because of their trust in God.

Quote:“Spiritual maturity is not reached by the passing of the years, but by obedience to the will of God.” – Oswald Chambers

Memory Verses

I Peter 2:2,3 “2As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the

Lord is gracious.”

28

Moses: His Dealings with Difficult PeopleExodus 15:22-27; 16; 17:1-7; 32:7-35

Moses’ life is presented to us with the early history of the nation of Israel. Because of the role God allowed him to fulfill his task necessarily dealt with people. You and I also are here upon this earth to minister to others. In Moses’ 40-years of travelling through the wilderness he would have the responsibility to deal with difficult people.

Likewise, today we can expect to deal with difficult people. How did Moses handle this incredibly difficult task?

Dr. Mark Rasmussen stated this about difficult people, “We are often called to interact with difficult people in our lives, and often our natural tendency is to respond with frustration and anger.” 1

“What is the difference between an obstacle and an opportunity? Our attitude toward it. Every opportunity has a difficulty and every difficulty has an opportunity.”- J. Sidlow Baxter

We will look at several events of over many chapters. Exodus 15 Waters of MarahExodus 16 Manna in the Wilderness of SinExodus 17 Water from the rock in RephidimExodus 32 Worshipping the golden calf

Open your Bible to Exodus 15:22-271 Pg. 67 Rasmussen, Mark. Moses: Discover God’s Faithfulness On Life’s Journey. Lancaster: Striving Together Publications, 2014.

29

I. In Life

There are two sides to the coin when difficulties arise. Oftentimes difficulties are used by God to teach us and mold us. God used these difficulties to help form the nation of Israel. (Notice the “if ” statement in verse 26. God used this difficulty to teach the nation obedience and have confidence in God’s provision and protection.) In addition, difficulties often come as a result of this fallen world and our sinful flesh. For the child of God difficulties provide opportunity for spiritual growth. There are many times that we cannot see the reason for these challenging times but notice the following. Difficulties:

A. Come Following God 1. They left Egypt. 2. They went three days into the wilderness.

B. Come Following Victory 1. They had just crossed the Red Sea. (14) 2. They had seen God provide victory. (15:1-21)

C. Come Following Progress 1. They were travelling in faith. “So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur;…” 2. They were headed toward the promised land. (15:15,16)

D. Come Following the Flesh 1. They soon forgot leaving Egypt. 2. They soon forgot crossing the Red Sea.

II. Against Moses

A. They Made Their Complaint

30

1. Exodus 15:21 states their complaint, “What shall we drink?” 2. Exodus 16:3 basically states, ‘What shall we eat?” 3. Exodus 17:2 “Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said Give us water that we may drink…” 4. Think of the situation that Moses would have to bear.

B. They Made Their Case 1. Exodus 16:3 “And the children of Israel said unto them, [Just as a side note, you are not the only person that deals with difficult people] Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” [Emphasis Mine]

2. Exodus 17:3 “And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?”

Even the LORD Himself spoke concerning this people, that they were difficult to deal with.

Exodus 32:9 “And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:”

How did Moses deal with this?

III. Moses’ A. Moses Cried Unto the Lord 1. Exodus 15:3 “And he cried unto the LORD;…” 2. Exodus 16:4 “Then said the LORD unto Moses…” 3. Exodus 17:4 “And Moses cried unto the LORD…” 4. Exodus 32:11 “And Moses besought the LORD his God…”

31

B. Moses Cared For the People 1. In Exodus 15:25, Moses requested on behalf of the people. 2. In Exodus 16:8, Moses instructed the people for their good. 3. In Exodus 17:4 Moses sought council for dealing with the people. Moses asks the Lord, “What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.”

C. Moses Controlled His Own Feelings 1. Over and over the people murmured against Moses. 2. Moses no doubt constrained himself. 3. There was a time when Moses failed to do so, and acted in anger. (See Number 20:10,11) This is following their failure at Kadesh-Barnea (Numbers 14) resulting in their wandering to continue. 4. “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.” Psalm 37:8 5. The proper procedure to take in dealing with difficult people is to cast thy burden upon the Lord.

D. Moses Contended With Sinful Actions 1. Moses taught the people what is right. Exodus 15:26 2. Moses warned them of their murmuring. Exodus 16:7 3. Moses challenged their sinful actions. Exodus 17:2 4. Moses dealt with sin in the camp. Exodus 32:19,20

E. Moses Contended For the People 1. Exodus 32:31-33 2. Exodus 32:9-12

F. Moses Continued With God 1. Exodus 32:31 “And Moses returned unto the LORD…” 2. Even after his great failure Moses continued with God. Numbers 20:27 “And Moses did as the LORD commanded: and they went up into mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation.”

32

“Many believers have been spiritually hindered by those who resist godly leadership. If your spiritual leaders are spending time with God and humbly leading according to His Word, support that leadership! Be patient when the leader is waiting on the Lord and commit to serving in any way you can in the meantime.” 2 – Mark Rasmussen

Quote:“Life with God is not immunity from difficulties, but peace in difficulties.” – C.S. Lewis

Memory Verse

Psalm 55:22 “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

2 Pg. 139 Rasmussen, Mark. Moses: Discover God’s Faithfulness On Life’s Journey. Lancaster: Striving Together Publications, 2014.

33

Moses: His Time On The MountainExodus 19,33

Christians oftentimes describe for themselves what they consider to be a mountaintop experience. Perhaps it followed a time of testing or perhaps it was the start of what would be a time of testing. Regardless of the before or after circumstances, one thing is for sure; those who have been on the mountaintop come down dif-ferent. Moses’ first encounter with God was on Mount Horeb, but now he would encounter God in a more personal way. Moses would never be the same. His time on the mountain with God changed him forever.

Consider these other literal “mountaintop” experiences given to us in the Bible:

The Transfiguration. (Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36)The showdown between Elijah and Baal’s prophets. (I Kings 18)Abraham called to sacrifice Isaac. (Genesis 22)Noah and his family exiting the ark. (Genesis 8:4)Jesus & the Mount of Olives. (Zech. 14:4, Matt. 26:30-46, Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:12)The feeding of the 5000. (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15)Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 5-7)

“Be much alone with God, and take time to get thoroughly acquainted. Converse over everything with Him. Unburden yourself wholly -every thought, feeling, wish, plan, doubt- to Him...He wants not merely to be on good terms with you, but to be intimate.” – Horatius Bonar

Starting in verse two of Exodus Chapter 19 we see the children of Israel “were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount.” (Mount Sinai)

34

I. The “In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.” Isaiah 6:1

“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isaiah 57:15

A. The Ascension – (v3) “….and Moses went up unto God…” 1. At least two- or three-times, perhaps even four times Moses ascended and descended from the Mount. 2. 19:3 “And Moses went up unto God…” 3. 19:8 “…And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD…” 19:14 “…And Moses went down from the Mount….,” 4. 19:20 “…and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.” 19:21 “…And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people…” 5. This ascension of the mount represents for you and I the separating of ourselves to meet particularly with God. Here Moses would be the intercessor between God and the people. But it is during this time that Moses became intimately familiar with God.

B. The Condescension – God coming down to us. 1. Condescension - Voluntary descent from rank, dignity or just claims; relinquishment of strict right; submission to inferiors in granting requests or performing acts which strict justice does not require. 2. 19:3 “…and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain…” 3. 19:9 “…And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud” 4. 19:11 “…for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.”

35

5. 19:18 “…And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire…” 6. 19:20 “And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount…”

C. The Communication 1. Throughout this portion of Scripture, we have recorded for us the dialogue between God and Moses. What happens in the separated place of meeting? Communication between God and us. 2. Because of what Jesus Christ has wrought in his marvelous work of atonement, the Christian has the great privilege of entering into the “high place.” “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 3. Verses 3-6 God speaks to Moses. – v4 Reminder, v5,6 Promise 4. Verses 8 Moses speaks to God. – People’s Response 5. Verses 9-13 God speaks to Moses. – Instructions for sanctification 6. Verses 19 Moses speaks and God answers. 7. Verses 21,22 God speaks to Moses. – Instructions 8. Verses 23 Moses speaks to God.

II. The It was on this Mountain that God gave to Moses the commandments which were inscribed by the very finger of God. These commandments not only govern our actions, but tell us about God Himself.

A. Our Duties to God 1. “…thou shalt have no other gods before me” 2. “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image…” 3. “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain...” 4. “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy…”

36

B. Our Duties to Man 1. “Honor thy father and mother…” 2. “Thou shalt not kill.” 3. “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” 4. “Thou shalt not steal.” 5. “Thou shalt not bear false witness…” 6. “Thou shalt not covet…”

III. The – 33From chapter 21-30 the children of Israel are instructed concerning the civil and religious law. They are also given the instructions concerning the tabernacle, the Ark of the covenant, and the priest’s garments and functions. In the midst of all of this, the nation as a whole commits idolatry. In chapter 32 they are found worshipping a golden calf. Following Moses’ immediate intercession at the end of 32 we find one last mountaintop experience at the end of chapter 33.

“12 And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.13 Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.”

A. Show Me Thy Way v13 1. Do we in fact want to know God’s way? 2. The truth is a great many Christians do not want to know God’s way. 3. How do we truly know God? 4. “…shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight:…”

37

B. Give Me Thy Presence v14,15

C. Shew Me Thy Glory v18

Quote: “Revival begins in the individual’s heart. Let it begin with you on your face alone before God. Turn from every sin that might hinder. Renew yourself to a new devotion to the Savior.” – Lee Roberson

Memory Verses

I John 2:3,4 “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth

not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

38

Moses: His Obedience and the Tabernacle Exodus 40

From his time on the mountain, Moses had been given specific instructions concerning the tabernacle. The pattern was specific because of what the tabernacle represented. 1“The tabernacle is a picture, a type, and a shadow of the Lord Jesus Christ, where God meets man, and where deity and humanity meet in one person (Hebrews 8:1-2). Every detail of the tabernacle, therefore, points to some aspect of the person and work of our Saviour.”

“Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.” Hebrews 8:1,2

How important was it therefore for Moses to be obedient to the instructions given? Further how important are the instructions given unto us concerning our time here on this earth? What importance do we assign to our everyday lives concerning our obedience to the Lord?

1 M.R. DeHaan The Tabernacle

39

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” – Moses (Psalm 90:12)

What can we understand from this chapter Exodus 40:

I. The Spake v1-15A. Gave Detailed Instructions 1. The LORD told Moses when to setup the tabernacle. 2. v2“On the first day of the month thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.” 3. The LORD told Moses how to setup the tabernacle.

B. Gave Complete Instructions 1. Nothing was left out. 2. Nothing was ambiguous.

C. Gave Righteous Instructions 1. Being given directly from God this tabernacle was perfect. 2. Being given directly from God this tabernacle was holy.

II. Thus Did v16-33 A. Obeyed Fully 1. v16 “Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.” 2. v19 “…as the LORD commanded Moses.” 3. v21 “…as the LORD commanded Moses.” 4. v23 “…as the LORD had commanded Moses.” 5. v25 “…as the LORD commanded Moses.” 6. v27 “…as the LORD commanded Moses.” 7. v29 “…as the LORD commanded Moses.” 8. v32 “…as the LORD commanded Moses.” 9. v33 “…So Moses finished the work.”

B. Obeyed Timely 1. v17 Tells us that Moses obeyed in a timely manner. 2. v33 Tells us that Moses completed the rearing of the Tabernacle in a timely man

40

C. Obeyed Faithfully 1. 1Faithfulness – 1. Fidelity (Faithfulness; careful and exact observance of duty, or performance of obligations.) ; loyalty; firm adherence to allegiance and duty; as the faithfulness of a subject. 2. Truth; veracity; as the faithfulness of God. 3. Strict adherence to injunctions, and to the duties of a station; as the faithfulness of servants or ministers. 4. Strict performance of promises, vows or covenants; constancy in affection; as the faith fulness of a husband or wife. 2. Moses was certainly careful and exact in his observance of God’s instructions. He was loyal to the LORD. He performed that which God had given him to do. 3. Long before Exodus 40, Moses had proven to be faithful to the LORD.

III. The Blessed v34-38 A. The glory of God came 1. This cloud had be leading them, now it abode on the tent of the congregation. 2. v34 “…the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” 3. v35 “…and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.”

1 “Faithfulness” - Webster, Noah. Webster’s 1828 Dictionary of the English Language

41

B. The glory of God abode 1. v35 Moses could not enter “…because the cloud abode thereon…” 2. “There was something, no doubt, very venerable in the spreading cloud, as well as very striking in the refulgent glory, which commanded distance, even to a person that had been used to converse with God;…” – John Gill

C. The glory of God directed 1. v36 “And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys:” 2. v37 “But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up.”

D. The glory of God was visible 1. v36-38 Cloud by day. 2. v38 Fire by night. 3. v38“…in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.”

Quote:“If the battle is to be won it will not be by our efforts, but by our obedience.” – Dr. Clarence Sexton

Memory Verse

Luke 11:28 “But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.”

Venerable -1. Worthy of veneration or reverence; deserving of honor and respect; as a venerable magistrate; a venerable parent.

Refulgent - Casting a bright light; shining; splendid; as refulgent beams; refulgent light; refulgent arms.

42

Moses: His Meekness and FaithfulnessNumbers 12

As we have already seen, much of the life of Moses is displayed in his praying for the people. This aspect in the life of Moses is so positive and helpful. Throughout the book of Exodus and also the book of Numbers Moses is found praying. Perhaps this is why Moses is commended by God Himself, “(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)” Numbers 12:3

This quality of meekness (humility, power under control) is a result of communion with God.

Moses is this chapter faces opposition directly from his own family. It is here that Moses’ meekness is on display. Only two individuals are mentioned specifically concerning their meekness: Jesus and Moses. Jesus identified himself as being meek in Matthew 11:29 and 21:5 and here we see Moses is singled out by the Holy Spirit as being meek.

Open your Bible to Numbers 12

I. The Among Brethren v1-3Division unfortunately occurs to often among God’s people. Why?Because of our “old man,” we allow our pride to control our actions.

A. Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses. v1,2 1. v1 The reason for their speech. 2. v2 The rhetoric of their speech. 3. v1-3 The root of their speech.

43

B. Miriam and Aaron spake against God. v2 1. v2 Notice the speech, “Hath the LORD indeed spoken only…” 2. Their questioning really concerns God’s authority. 3. Though they question God they did not pose the question to God.

C. Miriam and Aaron spake against themselves. v1-3 1. They were part of the leadership structure God had put in place. 2. They spake to their own detriment.

II. The by God v4-9

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Romans 12:19

A. God spake Suddenly. v4 1. This was God’s determination. No record is given of Moses contesting with God concerning the matter. 2. It seems that this conversation was not done out in the open, but regardless God heard it.

B. God spake Seriously. v4-6 1. What was perhaps going through the mind of Aaron and Miriam, being called to the tabernacle in such a way? 2. “Hear now my words:…” - How seriously are we to take the Word of God?

C. God spake Solemnly. v7-9 1. v8 This question ought to provoke thought, “…wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” 2. v7 Moses is vindicated by God. “My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.”

44

How did Moses deal with this?

III. The of Meekness v10-16

A. Moses Heard Aarons cry. v11 1. Aaron’s cry was sincere, and Moses choose not to ignore him. 2. Moses had compassion for them both.

B. Moses Granted his forgiveness. v13 1. Moses could have walked away. 2. Moses could have become vengeful.

C. Moses Interceded on Miriam’s behalf. v13,14 1. v11 Miriam did not ask for intercession, Aaron did. In a sense Aaron interceded to Moses on Miriam behalf. 2. v13 Moses chose to cry out to the LORD.

45

D. Moses Constrained the people and Moved forward. v15,16 1. v15 Seven days would pass, with Miriam outside the camp. No doubt there was talk among the multitudes. 2. v16 The Bible tells us “And afterword the people removed from Hazeroth, and pitched in the wilderness of Paran.”

1llustration: Oliver Cromwell, a devout Puritan of England, died in 1658 as a result of sickness. Although he was not martyred, he did leave a prayer for his enemies before he died. He prayed, “Lord, however Thou dispose of me, continue and go on and do good for them. Pardon Thy foolish people! Forgive their sins and do not forsake them, but love and bless them. Give them consistency of judgment, one heart, and mutual love; and go on to deliver them, and with the work of reformation; and make the name of Christ glorious in the world. Teach those who look too much on Thy instruments, to depend more upon Thyself…And pardon the folly of this short prayer. And give me rest for Jesus Christ’s sake, to whom, with Thee and Thy Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and forever! Amen.”

Quote:“Love your enemies, because you are obedient to Jesus Christ. Love your enemies because the Word of God tells us this is right. Love your enemies because they provide you opportunity to become more like your Savior Jesus Christ and this glorifies Him.” – James Grandinetti

Memory Verse

Matthew 5:44 “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

1 Pg. 228 Rasmussen, Mark Moses: Discover God’s faithfulness in Life’s Journey

46

Moses: His Death and Spiritual Legacy Deuteronomy 29-34

What can we say regarding this man Moses? We can say he has been used mightily by God. We can say Moses was not perfect. We can say Moses walked with God. The life of Moses has been given to us “for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4

As we close this study of the life of Moses, we are given the account of not only his death, but the Bible attests to his spiritual legacy; that part which continues on.

The Bible tells us in the book of Revelation “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” (Revelation 14:13)

For the Christian our service to the King, our labors, result in works being accomplished and they certainly do follow us.

What do we find at the end of Moses’ life concerning his labors?

I. The of God is Given - Deuteronomy 29Moses until the very end spoke the whole counsel of God. His desire was for people to live their lives in fellowship with Jehovah God.

A. Reminds the people of God’s goodness v2-8 1. v2,3 Reminds them of the Exodus from Egypt. 2. v5-8 Reminds them of the Wilderness Wanderings.

47

B. Reminds the people of God’s holiness v16-28 1. v18 Reminds them of God’s jealousy. 2. v19 Reminds them of the deceitfulness of sin. 3. v20 Reminds them of Gods judgement.

C. Reminds the people of God’s graciousness and forgiveness – Deuteronomy 30 1. v1 Reminds them to turn back to God. 2. v2 Reminds them to obey the LORD. 3. v3 Reminds them of God’s gathering.

D. Reminds the people of life and death - Deuteronomy 30:11-20 1. The two choices: Life and good or death and evil. 2. Deuteronomy 30:15 “See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;”

II. The of the Work – Deuteronomy 31

A. Moses submitted to God 1. v1 “And Moses went and spake these words unto all Israel.” 2. v2 “…the LORD hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.”

B. Moses surrendered his pride 1. v2 “And he said unto them, I am an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in:” 2. v3 “…and Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said.” 3. v6 “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

48

C. Moses set apart Joshua 1. v7 “And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.” 2. v9 “And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel.”

III. The of Moses’ physical life – Deuteronomy 32-34

A. Moses was “gathered to his people” 1. Deuteronomy 32:48-50 – God told Moses the day of his death. 2. Deuteronomy 32:51 – God told Moses the consequence of his disobedience. 3. Deuteronomy 34:4 – Moses dies according to the Word of the ] LORD.

B. Moses was given a great view 1. The LORD showed him the land. 2. The LORD repeated his promise.

C. Moses’ legacy continued 1. v9 Joshua continued Moses’ leadership. 2. v10 Moses legacy was explained.

D. Moses’ appearance in the promised land 1. God would not allow Moses to cross over the border into the promised land, although God did allow him to see it.

49

2. This would not be the last appearance of Moses. In the New Testament we are given a wonderful appearance of Moses, a testimony to His faith in Jesus Christ. Where is he standing you ask? In the promised land. He was not allowed to cross with the children of Israel into the promised land, but he was allowed to stand there with the great King of Kings! 3. The legacy and end of Moses’ life is an encouragement to us to finish our course and cross the finish line into glory. At the end of this temporal life here on this earth, we will cross over to behold the King!

Quote:“Many times the height of a tree cannot be properly measured until it falls.” – Dr. Mark Rasmussen

After Moses’ death we are told that it was God himself that buried him (Deuteronomy 5,6; Jude 9). Later on, the children of Israel would worship “Nehushtan” (II Kings 18:4) the fiery serpent that Moses fashioned. Perhaps this last lesson is simply this, we must learn from great men of God, but we do not worship them. We worship the one true living God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ alone!

Memory Verse

I Corinthians 2:9 “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

50

Facts About MosesWhat do we know about Moses?1. 784 verses in the Bible mention Moses by name. (705 times in the Old Testament and 79 times in the New Testament.)

2. Moses was a Levite. (Exodus 2:1)

3. Moses’ fathers was Amran and his mother’s name was Jochebed. (Exodus 2:1)

4. Moses’ brother was Aaron. (Exodus 15:20)

5. Moses’ sister was Miriam. (Exodus 15:20)

6. Moses’ wife was Zipporah. (Exodus 18:2)

7. Moses along with Elijah were on the Mount of Transfiguration. (Matthew 17:3)

8. Moses penned the Pentateuch. (Genesis -Deuteronomy) (Referred to as the “book of Moses,” by Jesus.)

9. Moses lived 120 years. (Deuteronomy 34:7)

10. Moses spent 40 years in Pharaoh’s house. (Acts 7:20-29)

11. Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness as a shepherd. (Acts 7:30, Exodus 3:1)

12. Moses spent 40 years leading the nation of Israel. (Exodus 7:7, Deuteronomy 34:7)

13. Moses was not allowed to enter the promised land because he did not sanctify the Lord in the eyes of the people. (Numbers 20:12) (He disobeyed the Lord and smote the rock.)

14. Moses’ name means to draw out of water. (Exodus 2:10)

15. Moses had two sons Gershom and Eliezer (Exodus 18:3,4)

51

16. Aaron was Moses’ prophet (spokesmen). (Exodus 7:1)

17. Moses was a prophet. (Deuteronomy 34:10)

18. Moses murdered a man. (Exodus 2:12)

19. Moses was a fugitive. (Exodus 2:14,15)

20. Moses encountered the angel of the LORD (the burning bush) on Mt. Horeb. (Exodus 3:1,2)

21. The LORD spoke to Moses as a friend, face to face. (Exodus 33:11)

22. Moses’ minister was Joshua, the son of Nun.(Exodus 24:13)

23. Moses was very meek, “above all that were upon the face of the earth.” (Numbers 12:3)

24. The location of Moses’ tomb is unknown. (Deuteronomy 34:5,6)

25. Moses’ eyes never dimmed and his natural force never abated. (Deuteronomy 34:7)

26. The bronze serpent Moses made became an idol called ‘Nehushtan’. (II Kings 18:4)

27. Moses knew in advance the time of his death. (Numbers 27:12,13)28. Moses learned all the wisdom of the Egyptians. (Acts 7:22)

29. Moses wrote the 90th Psalm. (Psalm 90)

30. Moses received the first set of tablets containing the law from God. The second he hewed himself and God wrote on them. (Exodus 32: 15,16; 34:1)

31. Moses was commanded to write a song. (Deuteronomy 31:19)

32. Moses was allowed to the see the ‘back parts’ of God’s glory. (Exodus 33: 20-23)

52

Moses and Jesus

“The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;” Deuteronomy 18:15

“Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.” John 6:14

1. Pharaoh decreed all male children were to be killed. (Exodus 1:8-22) Herod decreed all male children were to be killed. (Matthew 2:1-16)

2. Moses was born under foreign rulership. (Exodus 1-2:2) Jesus was born under foreign rulership. (Luke 3:1,6)

3. Moses had a legal right to be king. (Exodus 2:10) Jesus had a legal right to be king and is KING. (Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-38, Psalm 2:7, Revelation 17:14)

4. Moses fasted forty days and forty nights. (Exodus 34:28) Jesus fasted forty days and forty nights. (Matthew 4:2)

5. Moses spent time in Egypt as a child. (Exodus 2:1,2) Jesus spent time in Egypt as a child. (Matthew 2:13-15)

6. Moses interceded for his people. (Exodus 32: 9,14) Jesus intercedes on behalf of His people. (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25)

7. Moses was rejected by his brethren. (Exodus 2:14) Jesus was rejected by his brethren. (Luke 17:25, John 1:11)

8. Moses was sent by God. (Exodus 3:10) Jesus was sent by God the Father. (John 20:21)

9. Moses preformed many signs and miracles. (Exodus) Jesus preformed many signs and miracles. (Gospel Records)

53

10. Moses saved the people out of the bondage of Egypt. (Exodus 12:41) Jesus saved us out of the bondage of sin. (Hebrews 7:25)

11. Moses was a prophet. (Deuteronomy 18:15) Jesus was a prophet. (John 4:44, Luke 24:19)

12. Moses was a shepherd. (Exodus 3:1) Jesus is the Great Shepherd. (John 10:14, Hebrews 13:20)

13. Moses authority was challenged. (Numbers 12:2, 16:3) Jesus authority was challenged. (Matthew 21:23)

14. Moses gave the law. (John 1:17) Jesus fulfilled the law. (Matthew 5:17)

15. Moses was meek man. (Numbers 12:3) Jesus was a meek man.

16. Moses offered his life in exchange for the people. (Exodus 32:31,32) Jesus gave his life to redeem us. (Matthew 20:28)

17. Moses left his ‘royal’ estate for the sake of his people. (Hebrews 11:24-26) Jesus left His royal estate for the sake of His people. (Philippians 2:5-8)

54

Read More About Moses

Moses - Discover God’s Faithfulness on Life’s Journey by Dr. Mark Rasmussen

Moses by F.B. Meyer

Hero’s of Israel by W. Garden Blaikie

Gleanings in Exodus by A.W. Pink

Analytical Bible Expositor- Genesis to Exodus by John G. Butler

Moses - The Emancipator of Israel by John G. Butler

The Tabernacle by M.R. DeHaan